A GUIDEBOOK ON HOW TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Every interior designer has probably got the first compliment on how he/she decorated her own home! It is when you realise that you have a unique taste of home decor; you might find it apt to take up a profession in interiors. An intuitive sense of aesthetics and style is essential in this profession; furthermore you need a clear idea on measurements, toxicity standards, reading blueprints, saving space strategies, communicating with architects and engineers, using eco friendly materials and offering functional and durable designs to your clients.

Chennai has some beautiful homes and office interiors, none other than interiors designers in Chennai are to be applauded for the same. Hundreds of interior designing students are also emerging from this city to get a solid ground in the profession.

Here are step by step instructions on how to become a successful interior designer –

Degree -Attain a bachelor's degree in the subject interior design. Make sure the college you choose have approval from the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER). In elective subjects opt for computer-aided design (CAD) courses. Using computers is one of the added advantages while designing spaces.

Internship and contacts - Attend your internship classes regularly and give the best into it. Make extensive contacts and offer free presentations if necessary. Your contacts might give you a big break or even better assignments and jobs in future.

License – Apply for the licensing requirements at the state's regulatory agency. Take help of your institute’s head to get the state-by-state information for the interior designer license.

Practice – Spend as a freelancer in the field for a year or two after you graduate. Check if there are requirements in premium companies and keep your pay low for the first year. This is the time to learn; if you do well your pay will increase year after year. Your eyes should get well trainer to pick up the minute details.

Portfolio – Keep a file that maintains all the records of your work starting from blueprints to the final outcome. Keep all official documents in both hard and soft copy. You never know which client comes back when and he might also send you further references; so keep a good client rapport.

Good interior designers know the trick of using the discarded items as well; they know what will suit where and in what direction. The trick of allowing sunlight yet creating magic with the lights in dark hours; planning space division for easy access and also making the area look spacious are all the basic norms an interior designer should know.